News Summary
Aqua Pennsylvania has obtained $17.35 million in funding to tackle PFAS contamination and replace lead service lines in its service areas. This vital investment will enhance the safety of drinking water for over 5,800 customers, adhering to EPA regulations. Construction is set to start in 2025 and aims to better public health through modern infrastructure solutions.
Pennsylvania – Aqua Pennsylvania has secured $17.35 million in funding from the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) aimed at addressing critical water quality issues within its service areas. This funding is a combination of grants and low-interest loans that will specifically target the removal of PFAS contamination from drinking water and the replacement of customer-owned lead service lines.
Details of the Funding Allocation
Of the total funding, $15.05 million is allocated for the installation of six advanced PFAS treatment systems at groundwater well sites across Bucks, Chester, and Luzerne Counties. These systems, once operational, will serve over 5,800 customers in various communities. Construction of these treatment facilities is expected to commence and conclude between summer and fall of 2026.
The initiative adheres to the guidelines set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which will enforce maximum contaminant levels for six PFAS chemicals in 2024. Aqua Pennsylvania intends to meet the EPA’s 2029 deadline for the removal of these harmful substances from drinking water.
In addition to PFAS treatment, $2.3 million of the funding will be used for replacing more than 200 lead and galvanized service lines in Bristol Borough, Bucks County. This replacement project aims to ameliorate the risk of lead contamination within the borough. Work on these replacements is scheduled to begin in June 2025, with completion expected by early 2026. Aqua Pennsylvania has announced that the replacements will incur no direct costs to customers, with warranties provided on all completed work.
Commitment to Public Health and Infrastructure
Aqua Pennsylvania emphasizes its dedication to providing safe and reliable water to its customers while aiming to minimize financial impacts through the utilization of state-backed funding. The total investment of $17.35 million represents a proactive step by the water utility to modernize its infrastructure and enhance public health.
Context of PFAS and Lead Service Lines
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of man-made chemicals that have raised significant health concerns due to their persistence in the environment and the human body. They have been linked to various health problems, including increased cholesterol levels, immune system issues, and reproductive health risks. As such, the removal of PFAS from drinking water is a high priority for public health officials.
Similarly, lead service lines have been a longstanding issue in legacy water systems, with lead exposure posing serious health risks, particularly to children. The replacement of these lines is critical to ensuring safe drinking water standards are maintained.
Aqua Pennsylvania’s Reach and Services
Aqua Pennsylvania serves approximately 1.5 million residents across 32 counties in the Commonwealth. The company provides essential water and wastewater services, emphasizing the importance of sanitary and safe water delivery systems as a fundamental aspect of public health.
The efforts showcased through this funding initiative highlight the ongoing commitment of Aqua Pennsylvania to address environmental health concerns while ensuring compliance with evolving regulatory standards. The projects initiated by this funding are set to not only tackle existing infrastructure challenges but also pave the way for a healthier future for the communities served by Aqua Pennsylvania.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Business Wire: Aqua Pennsylvania Awarded $17.3 Million in Funding
- Wikipedia: PFAS
- Lock Haven: PA DEP Awards Millions to Help Clean Up Streams
- Google Search: Pennsylvania water infrastructure
- Business Wire: Aqua Pennsylvania Awarded Nearly $29 Million in Funding
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Drinking Water
- Business Wire: Aqua Pennsylvania Getting the Lead Out Across the State
- Google News: Lead Service Lines
Author: STAFF HERE PHILADELPHIA WRITER
PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER The PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhiladelphia.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mummers Parade, Philadelphia Flower Show, and Thanksgiving Day Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Philadelphia, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, food services, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Comcast, Aramark, and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Pennsylvania's dynamic landscape.
